HANGU, April 5: A jirga formed in the wake of the Feb 9 bomb blast and subsequent riots in Hangu started its proceedings on Wednesday aimed at resolving sectarian differences and restoring peace. The 12-member jirga, headed by Akhunzada Mohammad Aslam, held meetings with leaders of differing communities and the administration to strike an agreement.

The jirga received cash guarantees of Rs1 million from each of the two communities to ensure that its decisions were implemented in letter and in spirit.

The jirga also called for surety bonds of Rs10 million each from the two sects to ensure that none of them violated the peace agreement.

Another meeting of the jirga will be held on Sunday.

The Hangu main bazaar, which was ransacked during the riots occurred on the occasion of Ashura, and the streets continued to remain deserted. Most of the shops as well as educational institutions in Hangu and its suburbs have been lying closed.